Introduce Manana Island, a small islet off the east coast of O‘ahu. It is nicknamed Rabbit Island because it looks like a rabbit's head (nose on the right, ears on the left) and there was once an introduced population of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that lived there. It is the model ecosystem to be used in subsequent lessons.
Students research the diet of 12 interacting species on Manana Island and draw a food web.
Students are introduced to trophic levels, then given the biomass of each species from the previous lesson. Group species by trophic level, graph biomass pyramids, and derive the 10% rule.
Students design an experiment to see how much CO2 is consumed in full sun, full shade, and complete darkness. The surprise is that CO2 is produced in complete darkness and, depending on species, full shade.
Each lab group will need a light source and a CO2 gas sensor with accompanying peripherals.
Students review the Manana Island food web and, from that starting point, diagram the carbon cycle. Knowledge about photosynthesis and cellular respiration is pivotal to produce a successful diagram. Human input is finally added and students consider its impact.
Background: New Zealand effectively uses its offshore islets as sanctuaries for native species. Transforming an invaded ecosystem into one that can support native species is possible but not easy.
Divide the paper into sections, each lab group translates one section into regular language. Then read translations aloud.
abstract
introduction: natural history
introduction: human history
developing a weed management plan for Rangitoto
weed management strategies
operational methods and discussion
Finally, lead a class discussion wherein students brainstorm possibilities for Manana Island.
Standards
Domain II, Strand 2: Interdependence
Domain II, Strand 2: Cycle of Matter and Energy Flow
Domain II, Strand 5: Earth in the Solar System
Food Webs
Students research the diet of 12 interacting species on Manana Island and draw a food web.
Pyramids
Photosynthesis Lab
Each lab group will need a light source and a CO2 gas sensor with accompanying peripherals.
Carbon Cycle
Read The evolution and execution of a plan for invasive weed eradication and control, Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. 2002
Divide the paper into sections, each lab group translates one section into regular language. Then read translations aloud.
- abstract
- introduction: natural history
- introduction: human history
- developing a weed management plan for Rangitoto
- weed management strategies
- operational methods and discussion
Finally, lead a class discussion wherein students brainstorm possibilities for Manana Island.